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CDEXRIGHT OEPOSm 



SEEING THROUGH 



BY-P^ 



RUTH G. WIN ANT 

Field Secretary of the Bible Teachers* 
Training School 




BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



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Copyright, 1920, by Ruth G. Wlnant 



All Rights Reserved 






MADE IN THB UMTED STATES OF AMERICA 



Thb GoRKAii Press. Boston. U. S. A. 

DEC 15 1920 
©CLAeOoOOO 



5^ 



^ 



PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

Light up, my Father, for those who read the 
pages of this little book, the commonplace of life 
with uncommon glory. Grant that with the rising 
of each new sun they may rise in newness of life 
in Christ Jesus; in the full blaze of noon may they 
find Thee a shield and a shade, and when night falls 
and weariness takes possession of body, mind and 
spirit, may Thy glory shine through the darkness 
and in the shadows of the eventide may they discern 
Thy goings. 



FOREWORD 

God has given two revelations of himself. The 
older one Is that of his handiwork In nature. This 
was the revelation that the Psalmist so often receiv- 
ed and Interpreted to his fellowmen. The other 
revelation Is that through his Word. In many re- 
spects this Is clearer and, so far as redemption is 
concerned, much richer than the revelation through 
nature. Most people, provided they attend at all to 
God's revelation of himself, pay more attention to 
the second revelation, than they do to the first. To 
Miss Winant God has given eyes to see much of the 
truth in both revelations, and her effort in this 
little volume is to tell to others what has been 
made so clear to her. I am sure that many will be 
helped through this book to see what has been to 
them before invisible or, at the best, somewhat 
obscur'e. 

A. F. SCHAUFFLER. 



AUTHOR'S MESSAGE 

Sitting at a friend's desk a number of years ago 
I saw there the following quotation: "There ain't 
no commonplace." 

To this delightfully ungrammatical sentence my 
heart made instant response, and through the years 
I have tried to help men and women to see God's 
footsteps on the common ways of life. 

That I might reach more people, and help them 
to see through to God is the only reason for the 
publication of this little book. 

Ruth G. Winant. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Seeing Through 13 

Faith 14 

Jonquils 15 

Sources 16 

Rain 17 

Silver Birch 18 

Sunrise and Sunset 19 

Sermons 20 

Victory and Song 22 

To My "Adopted" Mother 23 

Before 24 

The Coat of Arms 25 

The Sky-Line 26 

Autumn Leaves 27 

April Showers 28 

Song = 29 

The Aftermath of Snow 30 

Clouds 31 

The Burden Bearer 32 

In Union Strength 33 

''Whatsoever Things Ye Need" 34 

Pussy's Song 36 

A Juniper Tree 37 

"The Sea is His" 38 

Lighted Lamps 39 

"There" 40 

El Roi 41 

Faith 42 

9 



Contents 



PAGE 

The Incline Pathway 43 

Hebrews 2:12 44 

"Now, Therefore Sing a Song" 46 

"Shine Inside" 47 

On a City Roof 48 

"As a Little Child" 49 

November 50 

The Spring-Time Woods 51 

God's Painter From the North 52 

Birds in November 53 

"Not One Sparrow" 54 

Deut. 8 :2-5 55 

Suggestion 56 

Prayer at a Cross-Road 57 

Deut. 1:30-33 58 

Prayer in Distress 59 

Compensation 60 

Isa. 42 :3 61 

Home 62 

Rev. 9:15 63 

Heb. 12:11 64 

"God's Minute" 65 

Psalm 23 65 

Rev. 3 :4 67 

Sale— ^With Him 68 

There's A Blessing as You Go Through .... 69 

Prayer after Defeat 70 

"Things God Prepares" 71 

Pointing Godward 72 

Moffat Translation of 2 Cor. 5:1 74 

10 



Contents 



PAGE 

Children's Spring Song 75 

Joy 77 

My Memory Box 78 

The Senses 79 

A Friend 81 

Post-Operative 82 

A Hospital Doxology 83 

My Doctor 85 

In a Hospital 86 

West Windows 88 

Friends 90 

To Keep from Growing Old 93 

A Garden Interrogator 94 

God and Gardens 95 

Ode to Writing Materials 96 

Howard Arnold Walter 97 

Accidentals 99 

To L. T. A 100 

On a Calendar Pad lOi 

When Jesus Was Dead 103 

"The Glorious Adventure" 104 

A Psalm of Thanks 105 

H. A. W 106 

Trust 107 

God's Paint Box 108 

Not Alone 109 

Declaration and Request iii 

Reflection 1 12 

"Win Christ" 113 

"He Shall Come Down Like Rain" 114 

II 



Contents 



PAGE 

Love in the Morning no 

The Hampton Quartette 117 

''There is no Room" 118 

"A Land Not Far 0£E" 119 

The Storm Song 120 

Dawn 121 

Trees 122 

Compassed About 125 

"With Him in Glory" 126 

A Vase of Pink Roses 127 

He Changes Not 128 

"Thy Will Be Done" 129 

Burning Leaves 130 

"Afterglow-Land" 131 

God's Carpets 132 

Summer's Growing Old 133 

Chiming Bells 134 

Isa. 9 :6 135 

Christmas Music I37 

The Answer 138 



12 



SEEING THROUGH 



SEEING THROUGH 

God in leaf and bud and blossom, 
God in greening grass and tree, 

God in liberated waters 
Dancing freely to the sea. 

God in song of robin red-breast, 

God in butterflies set free, 
Trying out their wings and glorying 

In their new-found liberty. 

God in frisking lambs a'racing 
On the meadows' softest green ; 

God — I bow my head and worship- 
God in every spring thing seen. 

Reprinted from the Christian Advocate Febru- 
ary, 1918. 



13 



Seeing Through 



FAITH 

Winter time spells resurrection 

If you only see it so ; 
Underneath the brown earth crusted 

White and purple vi'lets grow. 

Pregnant spring lies under blankets 
Of the winter's whitest snow; 

Crocuses and spring-time tulips 
Where the winter sunbeams glow. 

Winter time spells resurrection, 

Hope gleams in the hoar-frost white ; 

Branches bare speak leafy promise, 
Spring's at dawn in winter's night. 



14 



Seeing Through 



JONQUILS 

The sky is dull and leaden, 

Not a sunbeam can I see, 

Just one mass of snow-filled grayness 

Telling of a storm to be. 

But inside my window casement 
I have sunbeams hidden by, 
In the happy, yellow jonquils, 
With their dainty heads held high. 

I have embryonic sunbeams 
In each lovely flower I see, 
So I defy the storm outside 
Where clouds and grayness be. 

Jack Frost has lost his terrors, 

And wintry clouds of gray, 

The jonquils brought me Spring and sun 

To last the live-long day. 



15 



Seeing Through 



SOURCES 

As some small brook whose home is in the mountains 
Suddenly fills and dancing overflows, 
Some Spring day fed from far-off flowing fountains 
Where Spring-time sun is melting winter snows — 

So may my springs be hid in One who filleth 
Full to the brim my daily life below, 
Full of His love and grace and power, and willeth 
More of Himself the world through me to show. 

As some clear brook may I reflect the glory 
Of heaven above and of the earth below, 
Sunlight and moonbeams, — tell again the story, — 
Praise the Creator as I onward go. 

May my reflection be so true, so holy, 
That seeing me men then may look away 
Clear to the Source, where from the ages hoary 
God the Creator loves and lives alway. 



i6 



Seeing Through 



RAIN 

Over the city the storm-clouds sailed, 

And soon from the darkened sky 
Faster and faster the rain-drops fell 

And hurried my window by. 
And the city's dust was seen no more, 

And the sparrows chirped their lay. 
And the ivy vine that the church spires twine 

Looked fresh as the month of May. 

Over the country the storm-cloud sailed, 

And the gentle rain drops fell, 
And the drooping flowers raised their heads 

To answer the magic spell. 
And the parched earth grew green again, 

And birds in the tree-tops sang, 
And the branches bowed at the chirping loud. 

And woods with swift answer rang. 



17 



Seeing Through 



SILVER BIRCH 

Shimmering, glimmering, prancing, dancing, 
Silver shades the green enhancing; 
Hurrying, scurrying, racing, chasing, 

These are the leaves of the Silver Birch. 

Murmuring, whisp'ring, crooning, singing. 
Rustling vrhile from your pinched stem swinging, 
Heavenly music to me you're bringing 
Gentle leaves of the Silver Birch. 



ti 



Seeing Through 



SUNRISE AND SUNSET 

Far in the East in the early morn 

I saw the sun arise 
And far in the distance its rosy gleams 

Lightened the dull gray skies 
And the thought of God who made the world 

The sky and sea and air 
Came into my heart as I thought of Him 

Who had made the same so fair. 

Far in the West in the early eve 

I saw the sun so down 
And o'er the landscape its glowing rays 

Lightened the dull grey-brown. 
And the peace of God who saw the toil 

Of day then near its close 
Came into my heart as I thought of Him 

Who brought for toil, repose. 

Published by Galen Church Pub. Co. Used by 
permission. 



19 



Seeing Through 



SERMONS 

I've been listening to a sermon, 
But there's been no preacher by; 

No frock-coated soul forth-holding 
Telling mc the what and why. 

I've been listening to a sermon, 
But no pulpit high is seen, 

No glass windows where the sunlight 
Filters through, rose, gold and green. 

I've been listening to a sermon 
But no cushioned pew is mine, 

No soft organ notes resounding 
Lift my thoughts to things divine. 

I've been listening to a sermon 
And the preacher is a rose. 

Dyed with deepest crimson splendor 
Breathing forth the truths it knows. 

Dumb in spoken words, — its language 
Speaketh plain to me to-day, 

In the quiet of the sick-room 
Eloquent with things to say : 



20 



Seeing Through 



"God your every need supplieth, 
Knoweth what is best for you, 

Ceaseth not with "necessaries," 
Addeth extras for you too. 

"Things of which you have not dreamed, 
Far exceeding human thought, 

Things impossible that seemed. 

Things no human love had wrought. 

"God who brought me into being. 
Gave my leaves their wonder-hue, 

Sent the dew and rain and sunshine, 
Made, then helped me as I grew, 

"He for you hath also meted 

Dew and rain and sunshine bright. 

Longs to have you bear His image. 
In the world of so much night. 

"Do as I do, — Take His sendings, — 
Dew and sunshine and the rain, 

Turn the tear drops into rainbows. 
Smile through hours of hardest pain. 

"Go you forth — this is my message — 

I the preacher, you the pew, 
Go you forth to bear His image, 

Let Him reach the world through you I" 



21 



Seeing Through 



VICTORY AND SONG 

Sing for the days now past and gone 
When God the Lord was near, 
When He was Comrade on the road, 
A Comrade tried and dear. 

Sing for the days that now are here, 
To-day, this hour and now; 
He who has helped us heretofore 
To-day will show us "how." 

Sing for the days that yet shall be. 
Hid in the mists away; 
God of all time and eternity, 
Knoweth the unknown way. 

Sing for the days when death shall rend 
The veil between that swings; 
Let neither life nor death make mute. 
He who is victor sings. 



22 



Seeing Through 



TO MY "ADOPTED" MOTHER 

October 26th, 191 7 

I'd like to write some verses 

To bless your natal day ; 

I'd like to write the things I feel 

But somehow cannot say. 

And so I ask my pencil 

To take the word to you, 

To thank you for the thing you arcj 

And for the things you do. 

I've heard about a preacher 

Who, on Thanksgiving Day 

Chose for his text two little words 

His message to convey. 

And I his text would borrow, 

Just THINKS and THANKS, —that's all,- 

For every time I think of you 

My thinking seems to fall 

Into a real Thanksgiving 

That you were born at all. 

East Hampton I remember, 

And Lakewood, clothed in white; 

Belle Haven, Greenwich and Sound Beach 

And Ridegfield's visit bright. 



23 



Seeing Through 



The more I think, the more I thank — 
My mind skims o'er the years 
Since I was first "adopted" 
Years both of joys and tears. 

And on October twenty-sixth, 

I'd bring a line o' cheer, 

And say: "God bless you, friend of mine 

This day and all the year." 

BEFORE 

Just before the day wakes 
Is the hour that's darkest; 

Just before the heart breaks 
Is the hour Thou markest. 

Just before the heart breaks — 
Help me to believe it! — 

Thou Thyself wilt comfort bring 
And agony, — relieve it. 



24 



Seeing Through 



THE COAT OF ARMS 

God has trusted him with sorrow, 
And his hair, fast turning gray, 

Is a token of God's favor 
That shall never pass away. 

God has trusted him with sickness, 
And his weak and wasted frame 

Is a badge of God's near presence, — 
He to strengthen weak ones came. 

God has trusted him with anguish, 
Furrows deep are on his brow; 

Some, — yes some of his own children 
Wander from his God afar. 

Man thus burdened, hear my story; 

Rest your heart from all alarms ; 
Sorrow, sickness, anguish, — Calv'ry,- 

Are the Father's "Coat of Arms." 



25 



Seeing Through 



THE SKY-LINE 

Trees denuded, branches bare, 
Wintry feeling in the air. 
Through the leafless boughs outspread 
Shows the bright sun overhead. 

Autumn colors passed away. 
Leaves no longer bright and gay; 
See the blue sky shining through 
With a thought of hope for you. 

Life denuded, loved ones gone. 
Those you loved to gaze upon ; — 
Lift your tear-stained eyes on high, 
See God's hope-blue stretch of sky. 

All Life's gladness vanished quite, 
Life seems all one long, dark night;— 
Look above and far away — 
Breaks God's perfect, endless day. 



26 



Seeing Through 



AUTUMN LEAVES 

Autumn leaves, what do you say 

As you hurry far away ; 
Scattered by September's wind, 

What is now your message, pray? 

Spoke the red leaves, whispering low 
As they lay there bleeding: 

"Catch the sunset's brightest glow, 
This the world is needing; 

For the morrow surely comes 

Tho' the red glow dieth. 
Days anew and morning suns 

Come and darkness flieth." 

Spake the leaves of shining gold: 

"Autumn days are over. 
But the summer'll come again 

Sweet with early clover." 

Red and gold leaves in duet 
Faith's triumphant chorus: 

"God the best saves to the last, 
Keeps the best before us." 



27 



Seeing Through 



APRIL SHOWERS 

April showers fast a-falling, 
Knocking on the earth and calling: 
"Come ye forth, oh hidden flowers, 
Haste, for these are now your hours, 
Come and brighten up the green 
With your dainty color's sheen." 

April showers fast a-falling, 
Rap upon the fruit trees, calling: 
"Blossoms white and blossoms gay, 
Come ye forth, it's nearly May, 
Early flowers wait to greet you. 
Long to welcome and to meet you." 



28 



Seeing Through 



SONG 

I thank Thee for the morning, 

For it means the end of night; 
I thank Thee for the dawning 
And the coming of the light ; 
I thank Thee, O my Father, for the morning. 

I thank Thee for the noon-tide 
And the busy hours of day; 

I thank Thee for the toil-side 
As its hours pass swift away; 
I thank Thee, O my Father, for the noon-tide. 

I thank Thee for the twilight. 
For the sunset's rosy glow, 

For rest that follows labor. 

For the quiet winds that blow; 
I thank Thee, O my Father, for the twilight. 

For morning, noon, and evening, 

O God in Heaven above, 
I praise Thee and I bless Thee, 
And I give Thee back my love ; 
My Father of the morning, noon, and evening. 

Used by permission of Charles Gilbert Spross, 
Composer. 



29 



Seeing Through 



THE AFTERMATH OF SNOW 

The ice lay over the northern world, 

And a blanket of snowy white 
Covered each place where the flowers grew 

In the spring and the summer's light. 

Then the sun shone over the ice-bound fields 

And the forests bleak and bare, 
Shone through the leafless, winter trees 

And scattered a promise there. 

''The snow fulfilleth His word," it cried, 

As it sent its warm rays down, 
"And under the snow, tiny violets grow, 

And under the hard earth brown." 

But the old earth said : "I am dead, quite dead, 

Neither blossom nor fruit I'll bear 
The ice has frozen me through and through 
And sounded my death-knell air." 

Then the sun grew pale, and an April shower 

Fell on the hardened ground. 
And when it fled, the ground so dead 

Was softened in one short hour. 

And the red and the silver maple trees 
Soon filled with their spring-time bloom. 

And spring-time flowers came forth each hour, 
And scattered the winter's gloom. 
30 



Seeing Through 



CLOUDS 

Back of the clouds where the shadows lie, 
Back of the grey and the black and blue; 
Great, golden sunbeams are hiding by- 
Tints of the morning and roseate hue. 

Say, did'st thou think, as the black clouds hung 
Over the rose and the mauve and gold, 
That the funeral hymn of day was sung, 
And morning would nevermore unfold? 

Back of thy path where the shadows lie 
Back of the doubt and the care and pain, 
God's golden sunbeams are hiding by 
Tints of the dawning where night has lain. 

Back of the clouds is the golden day 
When doubt and care and pain shall be past; 
When glowing sunshine shall come — and stay. 
And God will banish the clouds at last. 



31 



Seeing Through 



THE BURDEN BEARER 

He never sends a burden, but He brings It 

Friend of mine long burdened down with bundles 
grim; 

The Master who has meted out your burden 
Counts you bearing it along — along with Him. 

He never sends a sorrow, but He brings it; 

The sisters twain of Bethany could tell, — 
The Saviour, — who is full of heart-compassion, 

Makes the heart-ache and the heart-break to be 
well. 

He never sends discouragement, but brings It, 
And gently says: "My courage. Child, is thine; 

The tragedy of disappointed moments 

Is measured for thy strength — thy strength plus 
mine." 

He never sends temptation, but He brings It ; 

It's subtle, snaring beauty well He knows. 
You with Him may conquer Satan's machinations, 

You with Him, — with Him, may conquer all your 
foes. 

He never sendeth death, but He comes with him, — 
The Father's sable-coated porter he, — 

Who leads us through the gateway he holds open, 
Safe with Him, — with Him, for all Eternity. 

32 



Seeing Through 



IN UNION STRENGTH 

The commingling of peace and of pain, 
The combining of loss and of gain, 
The Union of health and disease, 
Of days grinding toil, and of ease — 

Why together they go, 

I am eager to know 
And an answer I ask if you please? 

From the pillows where pain holds full sway 
Gentle voices make answer to-day, 
"The dear Lord in His life-planning, knew 
Just how needful to me and to you 

Was a portion of joy 

And a trace of alloy 
And a union He planned of the two." 

Brightest roses to bloom in the morn, 
Brightest roses of perfume — and thorn 
Brightest sunshine and glory of light. 
Deepest shadows — and stars for the night. 

O, the wisdom of Love, 

Other wisdom above 
Who hath measured each portion aright. 



33 



Seeing Through 



WHATSOEVER THINGS YE NEED" 

''Whatsoever things ye need," 
Tell me, is it true? 
Does God really give the things 
That you need to you? 

First a soldier, scarred and worn 
From the firing line. 
Rose before me with salute; 
"Yes, sir, every time." 

Then a writer, pushing back 
Pad and pen and ink, 
"Christ has helped me every time, 
Helped me write and think." 

Spoke a mother, bending low 
O'er her children three: 
"Never, never when I called. 
But He answered me." 

Spoke a woman from the mill, 
With a faith sublime: 
"Yes sir, at the shuttle, sir. 
Yes sir, every time." 



34 



Seeing Through 



Spoke a "little mother" worn 
With her charges wee: 
"Jesus tells me what to do, 
Watches them with me." 

Spoke a youth with eyes aflame 
With the fire of love: 
"Jesus gives me what I need, 
Straight from heaven above." 

Spoke a father on whose head 
Rested winter's snow; 
"Christ has met my every need 
Fourscore years or so." 

Then in chorus strong and clear 
Faith's triumphant chime: 
"Christ supplies our every need. 
Yes sir, every time." 



35 



Seeing Through 



PUSSY'S SONG 

Pussy Willows come to say: 
"Spring comes nearer every day; 
Winter soon will pass away, — 
That is why we sing. 

Soon will vanish winter snow, 
Maple buds begin to grow, 
Soon the violets will show, — 
Birds be on the wing." 

Optimistic Pussy's song 
Trailing greening spring along; 
Tell it out both loud and strong 
Just, just why you sing. 



36 



Seeing Through 



A JUNIPER TREE 

I've been and sat under a juniper tree, 

I'm really most shamed to confess; 

And the ground was as damp as ground could be, 

With spirit-rheumatics, I guess. 

I've been and sat under a juniper tree, 
(For shame, — for 'tis poisonous air,) 
How did I get out, put the ''blues all to rout?" 
I got out by the pathway of prayer. 

I've been and sat under a juniper tree, 
And minor the music I heard, 
A weepin', lamentin' and loneliest tune, — 
I got out by the aid of God's Word. 

If ever you get neath a juniper tree, — 

(Folks do, you know, once in a while,) 

Pray a prayer, read God's Word, you will know He 

has heard. 
And come out with your face all a-smile. 



37 



Seeing Through 



"THE SEA IS HIS" 

What does the ocean say to you, 

With its white-capped waves, and its line of blue; 

What is the message that it brings. 

What is the song its music sings? 

This is the song: Oh, sing it clear 
That those far off may also hear: 
''God holds the sea in His control, 
Holds the vast sea and holds my soul." 

Is there another message, pray. 
That the ocean brings to you to-day? 
"Yes, this — that its depth can ne'er be told. 
Nor His love for you, — not in figures bold." 

And is there still a message more. 
From the breaking waves on the shell-strewn shore? 
"Yes, His love is wide, touches every land 
Where the breakers beat on the whitened sand." 

God's sea. He made it. The water deep 
Is a symbol of love that can each one keep; 
The tide, of His cleansing, holy power 
To purge my sin in my darkest hour. 



38 



Seeing Through 



Envoy ! 

"My God, for the sea my thanks I raise, 
Lift up my voice in reverent praise; 
I thank Thee Lord for the eyes to see 
Thyself in the mirror of the sea." 

LIGHTED LAMPS 

One by one the city lights 

Shine the darkness through, 
Sometimes break forth one by one 

'Gainst the evening blue. 
Sometimes like a string of light 

All at once from left to right, 
And I know some hidden power 

Lights the city lamps this hour. 

On thy servants one and all. 

Oh, divinest Light, 
Make Thy brightness forth to shine 

In this world of night. 
Till the world that sees the glow 

Seeketh for the Cause to know. 
Knowing that an Unseen Power 

Lights Thy servants lamps this hour. 



39 



Seeing Through 



"THERE" 

"There" the wicked cease from troubling and the 

weary are at rest, 
"There" the saints of earth are gathered as white 

birds unto their nest, 
"There" the weary, footsore pilgrim ends his eager, 

life-long quest. 

"There" earth's solitary children who have gone 

life's way alone 
Shall have blessed, sweet re-unions near the glorious, 

sun-lit throne, 
And shall meet, and greet, and linger there with 

those they call their own. 

"There" earth's suffering, worn-out bodies racked 

with many years of pain 
Shall find health and springing gladness come to 

greet them once again. 
And they nevermore shall suffer who have long on 

pain beds lain. 

"There" earth's pilgrims who were longing for the 

coming of their King 
Shall be gathered in His presence and their joyous 

praises sing, 
And shall bow, and kneel, and worship and their 

adoration bring. 



40 



Seeing Through 



ELROI 

(The God of Seeing) 

"He saw them." What were they doing, Pray? 

Those fisher-folk of long ago, 
In the morning light on Galilee 

'Mid the tide's soft ebb and flow. 

''He saw them." What were they doing, Pray? 

Peter and Andrew toiling there 
Looking in grief at their empty boat 

As the sun rose full and fair. 

"He saw them." What were they doing, Pray? 

Sons of Zebedee long ago 
Mending their nets with their sun-burned hands 

While their weary heads bent low. 

"He called them." What was the message, pray? 

Called to the four while the light was dim. 
I know not, save that they "left their nets," 

And "straightway" they followed Him. 

Envoy 

He calls us. What is His message, pray? 

Sounded still with persuasive voice, 
Toil-worn our hands, and our heads bent low 

We hear it, an4 we rejoice. 



41 



Seeing Through 



We hear it. What is our answer, pray? 

Men and women and children, — all. 
We leave our "nets" and our ''fishing" leave, 

And follow the Master's call. 

FAITH 

I cannot doubt. The thunders' loudest roar. 
The lightening's sudden flash, is but a sign, — 
A sign that peace shall reign when storms are o'er, 
And I shall see the rainbow, arch and line. 

I cannot doubt. Though friends shall sudden go, 
Though sudden gaps shall leave me lone and sad, — 
For God shall make the very silence glow 
With warmth and comfort, and my heart be glad. 

I cannot doubt. Though pain its shadows throw. 
And trembling flings across my robe of strength. 
My heart beneath its mantle strong shall grow. 
And patience crown the days' most weary length. 

I cannot doubt. Though death its call should sound, 
And I give up this transient house of clay. 
Christ is my life, in Him my hopes abound ; 
Through Him I live in realms of endless day. 



42 



Seeing Through 



THE INCLINE PATHWAY 

When there's no way out and there's no way 

through, 
Try the path of incline though the road be new ; 
When you cannot work and there's no release, 
When earth's notes have jarred all the chords of 

peace, 
When there's nothing hopeful you can think or do. 
By the incline pathway you can come clear through. 

When there's no way over and no way through, 
When low clouds have hidden the sky's vast blue, 
When your way is lonely and the tears fall fast. 
When earth's joys seem writ all in tenses past. 
When your feet are weary and a rest your due. 
On the incline pathway there waits rest for you. 

For the incline pathway's a strangesome road, 
When trav'lers carr^^ each with ease his load. 
Where dear companions greet us on our way, 
Where a Guide precedes us lest our worn feet stray 
And the black clouds yield to the sky's sweet blue 
On the incline pathway where you come clear 
through. 



43 



Seeing Through 



HEBREWS 2:12 

"Who for the joy." What hint of vision, reaching 

Into the far off vistas of the years ; 
Seeing their end from immature beginnings, 

Counting their joys worth all their pain and tears. 

"Who for the joy." What was that joy, surpassing 
And making worth the while all earthly loss? 

Joy so complete that naught with it compareth, 
Maketh worth while the suffering of the Cross? 

"Who for the joy." Turn, turn the pages over, 
See where He speaks another time of this, 

In wondrous words that gain with years of reading, 
Hear as He speaks of earth and Heaven's bliss: 

Lo, one wee Iamb hath from the fold outwandered, 
Sought him out pastures that were fresh and new, 

Sought him cool waters he had never tasted, 
Gloried in freedom till the evening dew. 

Then, then the Shepherd, that one wee lamb missing 
Setteth Him forth the wand'ring one to find; 

Searcheth and calleth, till at last rewarded 

He that went forth to seek at length doth find. 



44 



Seeing Through 



Safe on His shoulder to the fold He beareth 

That one wee wand'ring lamb, — and then you 
read 

That "God rejoiceth in the angels' presence," 

That ''There is joy in Heaven, true joy indeed." 

"Who for the joy." That joy to us He giveth, 
And we, like Him, may seek and we may find 

Those who have wandered on sin's roadway, weary — 
Nor know the pathway back, — whose eyes are 
blind. 

And we His joy may share, and in the sharing 
May come to count our cross a little thing; 

Glory with Him in His own best rejoicing, 
In that one joy that makes the angels sing. 



45 



Seeing Through 



"NOW, THEREFORE SING A SONG" 

"Now, therefore sing a song," 

The Lord God spoke. 
And Moses, soon to go the long, long trail 
With eyes on fire and mind alert did hail 
The call, and broke forth into music sweet 

That ages long repeat. 

"Give ear and I will speak, 

God's name proclaim. 
His way is perfect, just and right is he, 
He finds, He keeps, brings help to you and me, 
Brings honey from the rock, honey and oil, 

These for the men who toil." 

"Now, therefore sing a song," 

The Lord God spoke, 
Moses is gone long since, God speaks to men 
Of very simple sort, in simple vein: 
"Write what you know of Me, proven and plain, 

Write you a song again." 

Now, therefore will I sing, 
My voice lift high. 
My morning song shall be a song of praise. 
In noon time heat again my voice I'd raise 
And when night falls I'd sing for all the days 
When God was nigh. 



46 



Seeing Through 



"SHINE INSIDE" 

"Shine Inside." So read the sign, 

And one who saw it paused awhile, 
His thoughts upon a sermon bent; 
And this his text, — I saw him smile, — 
Just: "Shine Inside." 

I heard the sermon and was glad 

The bootblack's sign was plain to all, 

I wonder just how many caught 
The message, and would heed its call 
To "Shine Inside." 



47 



Seeing Through 



ON A CITY ROOF 

I thought the country-side alone might know 
The marvel of the sunset and its glow ; 

See yellow pale to white, 

See crimson change to quite 
A pale pink glow. 

But I to-night have seen the glory-light 
Flanking cathedral spires to left and right, 

And shining clear between 

A dazzling sunset sheen, 
God's love to show. 

On the roof of the Bible Teachers* Training 
School looking toward St. Patrick's Cathedral, 191 8. 



48 



Seeing Through 



"AS A LITTLE CHILD" 

Suggested by a sermon preached by Rev. John 
Kelman, D. D., on Christmas morning j 19 19. 

A little child with sun-lit face 
Gazed at the bright blue sky 
Spread by the good Creator's hand 
Over the world so high, 
When tiny clouds sailed from the North 
Across the sky — God spread, — 
And the child turned to her mother, 
And these the words she said: 

"Mother, What are the white, white clouds 

That sail across the blue?" 

The Mother told of rain-drops stored 

That should the earth renew — 

The child's face fell, — she looked away 

Into the clouded sky: 

"I thought maybe they were shadows 

Of angels passing bye, 

Shadows of bright, bright angels 

That live with God on high." 



49 



Seeing Through 



O, little child of sun-lit face 

I better understand 

Why Christ said "as a little child" 

We enter glory land. 

Like you would I be pure in heart 

That sky and sea and air 

May be but windows through whose panes 

I see God everywhere! 

NOVEMBER 

Shadows grey and a darkened sky, 
Clouds that the wind sends hurrying by, 
Leafless trees with their boughs held high : 
This, this is just November! 

Hoar-frost white at the break of day. 

Chattering sparrows that idling play. 

Rustling leaves on the lawns that stay : 

This, this is just November ! 

Blazing logs on the hearth-stone bright. 
Frost fast sketching the windows white. 
Warmth and comfort in-doors to-night: 
This, this is just November. 



50 



Seeing Through 



THE SPRING-TIME WOODS 

I 
I walked far out in the woods to-day 

The woods where the spring flowers grow, 
And one ran purple with violets, 

And one with the bloodroot's snow. 

II 

I walked far out in the woods to-day, 
And parting the Spring-time grass 

I looked deep in the heart of a primrose. 
And worshipping, saw God pass. 

Ill 

I walked far out in the woods to-day 
Where Jack-in-the-pulpits ^rew, 

Where Iris bordered the marshy bank. 
And I worshipped God's touch anew. 

IV 

God of the wonderful, deep, deep woods 
Where the Spring-time flowers grow, 

1 thank Thee anew for each flower's hue 
And the soft warming earth below. 



51 



Seeing Through 



GOD'S PAINTER FROM THE NORTH 

God sent a painter from the North 

With brush and pencils fine; 
He asks no canvas for his art, 

But on my window, — mine, — 
He sketches stars and tiny flowers 

In daintiest design. 

God sent a painter from the North 

With O, so fine a quill, 
He sketches on my wide front lawn 

And on my window sill, 
And decorates with ferns of ice 

To demonstrate his skill. 

****** 

Some say that Jack Frost has come forth, — 
I say: ''God's painter from the North." 



52 



Seeing Through 



BIRDS IN NOVEMBER 

A flock of birds is sailing by, 

Sailing by, sailing by, 
And with each turning higher fly, 
Till they seem but specks gainst a leaden sky 
A flock of birds in November! 

A flock of birds has fluttered low, 

Fluttered low, fluttered low 
To a tree where bright red berries grow, 
Then shelter the fir tree's arms below, 
A flock of birds in November! 



53 



Seeing Through 



"NOT ONE SPARROW" 

little sparrow, with your coat of brown, 

With strangely dull and sometimes mottled wing, 
With beauty none with which to lure the eye, 
With not a song to thrill me as you sing. 

1 never see your little homely wings 

But there within me wells a note of praise, 

At thought of Him who marks the sparrow's fall, 

And I instead of you a song up-raise. 

Down on the ground you may not fall unseen — 
Between you and the earth the hand divine 
Waits to restore you to your leafy bough 
Nor leave you with a broken wing to pine. 

little sparrow with your homely wings 

1 love each feather, mottled, brown or gray, 
I love your simple chirp in place of song. 
Your optimism and your manner gay. 

If only I might tell to all below 
The message that the little sparrows bring. 
My life would make doxologies to flow. 
And all who know me look to God and sing. 



54 



Seeing Through 



DEUT. 8:2-5 

"Thou shalt remember" — Shall I remember 
All of life's doubt and its failures and fears, 
All of its anguish and all its temptations, 
All of its cares and its pain and its tears? 

"Thou shalt remember" — I will remember 
Doubting and failure and anguish and fear. 
Calmly look back on the deep hours of darkness, 
Praising my God that His presence was near. 

"Thou shalt remember" — I will remember 
Subtle temptation, long care, pain and tears. 
Counting His help in direct upheaval, 
Praising His faithfulness all through the years. 

"Thou shalt remember" — I will remember 
Thank God for victories won on the way, 
Lift up my eyes to the hills whence He cometh. 
Wait His appearing, — remember and pray. 



55 



Seeing Through 



SUGGESTION 

God hides Himself in a flower, 
And rides on the waves of the sea, 
He shines in the stars of the heavens, 
Each one just suggests Him to me. 

God hides Himself in the mountains, 
In round hills and plains and the lea, 
In moon-beams light on the water 
Each one just suggests Him to me. 

Oh God of creation, I bless Thee, 
For Thine impress on things Thou hast made. 
That Thy face shines forth in creation. 
Thy likeness in sunshine and shade. 

For Thy voice in the noise of earth's waters, 
Thy stillness and rest in the green. 
Thy strength in the mountains up-reaching, 
Thy glory in everything seen ! 



S6 



Seeing Through 



PRAYER AT A CROSS-ROAD 

Grant me to know Thy will, Oh Lord, and do it, 
Nay grant me more, for more is my desire, — 
Grant me to know Thy will. Oh Lord, and love it, 
Touch my desire with love-enkindled fire! 

Purge the impure of second-best desirings 
'Till all the dross is quite consumed away ; 
Grant me to come with passionate inquirings 
To know Thy will, and loving to obey ! 



57 



Seeing Through 



DEUT. 1 130-33 

Jehovah your God, He goeth before you, 
He goeth before you in the way, 
Showcth a place to pitch your tent in, 
Guideth with fire and by cloud each day. 

Jehovah your God, He goeth before you, 
Why do ye murmur your tents within, 
Why do your hearts make wild complaining, 
Why do you doubt Him? To doubt is sin. 

Jehovah your God, He goeth before you. 
Has He not led in days that are passed? 
Peace, dear heart then. He will not fail you, 
Follow, nor doubt. He leads Home at last. 



58 



Seeing Through 



PRAYER IN DISTRESS 

Lord, take me up into Thy loving arms, 
The way is long and hard and I am worn ; 
Alone, in my heart's depths, save but for Thee, 
Lord, take me up. Leave not my soul forlorn! 

Lord, take me up into Thy loving arms, 
Foes cannot see nor yet friends understand ; 
I would do right, — would loyal be to Thee, 
Lead me, dear Lord ; lead me by Thine own hand ! 

Lord, it is there, writ there in words of fire 

That "underneath are everlasting arms." 

It is enough, it answers my desire. 

Soothes all my heart-ache, stills my wild alarms. 



59 



Seeing Through 



COMPENSATION 

Compensation? 'Tis a payment for that we've suf- 
fered loss, 
A crown by God bestowed to pay us for our cross. 
But nay, not so 'tis written, for in the word I read 
A very different story for those who stop to heed : 

I reckon that the sufiFerings can never be compared 
With the glory that shall follow, by Christ Himself 

prepared ; 
For the glory, Oh, the glory, by far out-weighs the 

pain. 
And they who suffer deepest have glory more to gain. 

And it isn't something even, but something added to, 

It's an extra and a surplus and not just what is due; 

When God says compensation it is something added 
more. 

When He can't Himself compare it, it's glory brim- 
ming o'er. 



60 



Seeing Through 



ISA. 42:3 

*'A bruised reed will he not break'' 

What does God do with a bruised reed 
Flayed by the storm and wind, 

Trampled by cattle or alien feet, 
God who is love most kind ? 

This what He does with a bruised reed 

Makes of the reed a lute, 
Plays on each broken reed His tune, 

Makes of each one His flute. 

Songs of healing for hearts a-torn. 
Of dawn that is on the way. 

Of rest for the weary, travel-worn 
Tired of the long, long day. 

Wonderous music ! 'Tis God alone 
Can make the bruised reed sing, 

Strong, compassionate, tender, sweet, 
God's broken reed flutes sing. 



M 



Seeing Through 



HOME 

I'm going home! 
Not to the city where I live, 
Not to the village street I know, 
Not to some shaded mountain spot 
Where soft the evening breezes blow ; 
Not to a place on maps plain shown 
Not a location, Fm going home, 

Home to the heart of you ! 



69 



Seeing Through 



REV. 9:15 

My Father God has a calendar pad 

He keeps on His desk close by 
With dates He planned from eternity 

To answer His children's cry. 

"And the year and month and day and hour" 

(For so in the Book we read) 
He looks again at His calendar pad 

And meets all our deepest need. 

Then patience, dear child, with the troubled brow 

Endure just one brief moment more, 
Thy name from eternity God has inscribed, 
Nor o'er looks one need, I am sure. 



63 



Seeing Through 



HEB. 12:11 

"Nevertheless afterward;" 
Words of deep meaning, 
How may I enter that "afterward" day? 
Long have I suffered, 
"Not joyous but grievous" 
Has been the temper and tone of my way. 

"Nevertheless afterward;" 
Words of sweet promise, 
Bathing my wounds in a balm like to oil, 
Sure 'tis worth waiting for, 
Day that is pregnant. 
Bringing me rest from my labor and toil. 

"Nevertheless afterward ;" 
I will wait calmly, 

Back of the cloud I see gold hiding by. 
Night's at an end, and dawn is awaking, 
"Blessed be God," I press onward and cry. 



.64 



Seeing Through 



"GOD'S MINUTE" 

You who endure what seems past all enduring, 
Endure one moment more, — right now, — begin it. 

That moment is the moment of God's power, 
Tis called, and I think rightly, just: God's minute. 

PSALM 23 

"In pastures green." I scan my road, — 
I thank my God for sloping green. 
For light and shade on leafy trees, 
I thank Him for the restful sheen. 

"In pastures green." I scan the road, — 
Huge boulders rise and block the way. 
I must go 'round, or climb a'top, 
No longer on the green sward stay. 

"In paths of righteousness" He guides, 
And shall I fear the way He takes? 
He guides; — His touch is on my arm, 
His leadership fresh courage wakes. 

"In pastures green." A mound upturned, — 
His hand upon my own is laid ; 
He leadeth still ; that is enough, 
I weep, but I am not afraid. 



65 



Seeing Through 



"In death's dark vale." Deep shadows lie 
Between me and the sun's bright ray. 
I cannot sec for tears that fall. 
In shadow-land He leads the way. 

"My enemies" around me stand, 
Behind my back their plots are laid ; 
His table in their midst is spread, 
Christ is my Host, am I dismayed ? 

My wounds! Good God, Thou knowest all. 
The agonies and bitter tears. 
Long months of pain, the sleepless nights 
Fierce struggles, mental hopes and fears. 

Thine oil. Oh, loving Shepherd King, 
"With oil my head Thou dost anoint." 
Thy hands pour blessing on my head, 
Thou dost my every way appoint. 

So every place and all my days, 
"Goodness and mercy follow me,** 
My lonely hours shall pass away, 
In God's own house at home I'll be. 

Oh, Shepherd Christ, lead Thou me still. 
I take Thy hand. I give Thee mine. 
Lead through life's journey long or brief. 
Hold Thou my hand as I hold Thine. 



66 



Seeing Through 



REV. 3:4 

"They shall walk with Me in white" 

In that day ; 
Overcomers, every one 

On life's way; 
Glistening are their robes and bright, 
Overcomers of the night, 
"They shall walk with me in white" 

In that day. 

"They have walked with me in white" 

All the way; 
Overcomers, every one 

Every day. 
Sin has left no shade of night. 
Sin has wrought no darksome blight, 
"They have walked with me in white" 

All the way. 



67 



Seeing Through 



SAFE— WITH HIM 

Safe, — to the other side with Him. 

Loudly the thunders crash. 
Blinding the lightning, rent the sky, 

Fiercely the wild winds lash. 

Safe, — to the other side with Him, 

Filling the boat is now; 
Rising the storm, a furious gale, 

Jesus is in the bow. 

Safe, — to the other side with Him. 

Once did the Master sleep. 
Now evermore alert, awake, 

Constant, long vigils keep! 

Safe, — to the other side with Him. 

Storms now convey no fear. 
I shall arrive, storm-tossed but safe. 

He will my rude barque steer. 

Safe, — O, my Lord, forgive the fear. 
The faithless, wild dismay; 

I ask not peace, but only this : 
That Thou go not away. 

Safe, — I ask not to still the wind, 
Nor stop the wild waves' roar. 

Safe, — to the other side with Thee, 
Then safe forevermore. 

68 



Seeing Through 



THERE'S A BLESSING AS YOU GO 
THROUGH 

Is the far, far distant, the wondrous day 

That is going to come to you, 
Do your eyes look off to the future way 
Where storms shall cease and the soft winds play 
And where life is ever one glorious day? 
Then listen, my friend, for I want to say: 

There's a blessing as you go through. 

Are you counting the weeks and months and years 

That lie far ahead of you 
And watching the sky till the storm-cloud clears 
While you sigh and there rise all unworthy fears 
(As you murmur, impatient, through unshed tears) 
Why wait 'til some day far distant nears? 

There's a blessing as you go through. 

Down in Egypt's land in the long ago 

When Israel bondage knew 
We hear Joseph saying: *'But God," you know, 
And down where the Red Sea waters flow 
In wilderness days neath the guide-cloud's glow 
They felt God's hand as they'd onward go 

And a blessing as they went through. 



69 



Seeing Through 



Oh, waste not your strength with impatient ways ; 

There's a blessing to-day for you ! 
Be the mountains high and the roads a maze 
Look up, sing a song, lift a note of praise 
There is light enough for the darkest days 
'Till you see as you some day backward gaze 

All the blessings as you came through. 

PRAYER AFTER DEFEAT 

Lord, I have much, so much for which to thank 
Thee, 

To-night my heart goes out in grateful praise ; 
Forgive me that my harp has long been silent 

And only cries and sobbings could I raise. 

Forgive me, Lord my weak and ill repinings, 
My keen distress because I could not see. 

And help me Lord, if falls again the darkness 
To know that in the dark I shall find Thee. 



70 



Seeing Through 



"THINGS GOD PREPARES" 
I Cor. 2:9 

By eyes unseen, 

By ears unheard, 
By human heart quite unconceived, 
These things hath God the Lord prepared 
For those who have His truth believed. 

I wonder what 

The Lord God plans? 
I wonder if in love a smile 
Breaks o'er His face as He prepares 
Things I have longed for this long while. 

Then when 'tis done, 

All I had wished. 
He adds an extra unconceived, 
Exceeding far my largest thought 
Because I have His love received. 



71 



Seeing Through 



POINTING GODWARD 

The country Godward points, I said, 
Each tree lifts high its spiral head, 
The flowers skyward soar and grow, 
The vines reach upward as they go. 
And everywhere my eyes were lead : 
The country points to God I said. 

The country points to God, I said, 

The golden wheat to make my bread, 

The garden vegetables all 

That grow so straight and fresh and tall, 

And even trees whose life is dead 

Point Godward toward the blue, I said. 

The city Godward points, I say 
As now, as comes the close of day 
I watch from my back window small 
The sky-line and the steeples tall, 
And everywhere I look I say: 
The city Godward looks to pray. 

The city Godward points, I say, 

The fountains in the park that play. 

The ribs of steel on buildings tall, 

The stately bridges one and all 

With girders heavenward pointed say : 

The city looks to God to-day. 
******** 



72 



Seeing Through 



I thank my God there is no place 

In city, country, but by grace 

I may discern the up-incline 

Of trees and steeples, flower and vine 

And kneeling thank God as I say: 

The round world Godward points to-day. 



73 



Seeing Through 



MOFFATT TRANSLATION OF 
2 COR. 5:1 

"And if this earthly tent be taken down, I 
get a home from God, a house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens." 

I know that if this tent is taken down 
I get a home from God, not made with hands ; 
That when my tent-top to the winds is borne 
I get a house that stands, — eternal stands. 

My tent to-night is blown, the door-flap flies, 
The cold winds whistle through the open door, 
I lift my eyes — "My God I want a home, 
I want a house with Thee forevermore." 



74 



Seeing Through 



CHILDREN'S SPRING SONG 
Dedicated to Jamie, Mary and Janet Alison 

Maple buds are opening, 
Early robins sing, 
Grass grows green and tender 
For it's coming Spring. 
Orioles are nesting. 
Crocus open wide. 
Brightly colored tulips 
Dot the country-side. 

Chorus 

Sing, Oh happy children. 
Join the brook's glad songs. 
Praise the God of Spring-time 
To whom praise belongs. 

Winter's past and over, 
Gone the frost and snow, 
Happy April showers 
Make the posies grow. 
Sing, oh happy children, 
Sing and laugh and shout, 
In the far green meadows 
Dandelions are out. 



75 



Seeing Through 



Chorus 

Pussies on the willows, 
Nests within the trees, 
Sweetest scent of clover 
On the Spring-time breeze. 
Cocoons bursted open 
Butterflies a'wing, 
Join the woodland chorus, 
Sing, ye children, sing. 



76 



Seeing Through 



JOY 

Joy's the queerest sort of thing! 
Goes as deep as middle ocean, 
Can't be measured, I've a notion. 

Soars so high on swiftest wing, — 
Joy's the queerest sort of thing ! 

Joy's the queerest sort of thing! 

Spreads abroad the whole world reaching 

With it's doxologic teaching. 

Starting folks to hum or sing, 
Joy's the queerest sort of thing! 

Joy's the queerest sort of thing! 

Often starts the tear-drops falling, 

Happy memories recalling, 

Longs an echo forth to bring, — 
Joy's the queerest sort of thing! 

Joy's the queerest sort of thing ! 

Growing larger as we share it, 

Fast retreating if we spare it. 

Longing for its shoots to spring, 
Joy's the queerest sort of thing! 



77 



Seeing Through 



MY MEMORY BOX 

I've got a hole in my mem'ry box 

Where some things go slipping through ; 

Things that were mean and cruel and harsh, 
Hasty, unkind and untrue. 

I've got a hole in my mem'ry box 

For words that burned through and through. 
For scornful looks and up-tilted chin, — 

Words hypocritical too. 

I find that hole, oh, so wondrous wise ! 

I tell you what it will do ; 

It saves all the sweet and gracious words, 
And deeds that are kind and true! 

It stores them away for the longest day, — 

Some friendship memories true; 
A letter, a rose, a violet, — 

These never go slipping through. 

A sunny path on a golden day, 

A pillow soft when one's ill, 
A sunset hour with a friend beloved, — 

Come trooping back at my will. 

So get you also a mem'ry box 

Slit so it shall keep alway 
The things that should never be forgot, — 

The bad things let slip away. 

78 



Seeing Through 



THE SENSES 

Thank God for sight, — 

And now I do not mean 

That sight just physical, — 
(Though for that too I daily thank my God) 

But for that sight 

That glimpses through the seen 
And catches at the spirit-mystical 
For that great gift I daily thank my God. 

Thank God for sound, — 

For song of every bird, 

For whispers of the wind — 
I worship and adore the God who gives 

The sense of sound. 

Memories of voices kind. 
Church bells' soft chime that falls upon the wind, 
For this great gift I daily thank my God. 

Thank God for taste, 

For water's cooling draught, 

Ambrosia to our lips. 
For berries ripened 'neath the summer sun, 

For tastes that call 

Our thoughts to southland ships 
Laden with fruits that, ripening one by one. 
Suggest God's touch when growth was just begun. 



79 



Seeing Through 



Thank God for smell, — 

For brown earth after rain, 

For perfume God has made, — 
For odor of the earth when storms are past, 

Roses' soft breath. 

For lilacs' sweet perfume, 
For tang of briny ocean's whitest foam, 
For lavender in linen chests at home. 

Thank God for touch, — 

By which I may convey 

Deepest emotions known ; 
For mother's soft caress in childhood's day, 

For lover's touch, 

For tiny hands that play 
Upon our wrinkled brows and brush our frowns 

away, 
For soothing hands that nurse us in a pain-filled day. 



80 



Seeing Through 



A FRIEND 

I have a Friend for sunny days 
Who makes the sunshine brighter, 
A Friend who shares the gladsome rays 
I have a Friend for sunny days. 

I have a Friend for darker hours 
When shadows gather o'er me, 
When withering are the grass and flowers, 
I have a Friend for darker hours. 

I have a Friend for hours of stress 
That bow the shoulders, gray the hair, 
For hours of urgent strenuousness, 
I have a Friend for hours of stress. 

I have a Friend for hours of rest, 
For happy hours beneath the trees, 
For comradeship in pleasure's quest, 
I have a Friend for hours of rest. 

I have a Friend for hours of skill. 
When mind is keen and hand is ready. 
When I can wield a flowing quill, 
I have a Friend for hours of skill. 

In short, a Friend for any time. 
For any sort of circumstance. 
For any and for every clime, 
My Friends are One ; The Friend Divine. 
8i 



Seeing Through 



POST-OPERATIVE 

I passed down into the valley 
With the God of my soul alone; 

And I heard earth's voices dimming, 
And their accents fainter grown. 

I passed down into the valley, 

And the God of my soul was there; 

So what cared I, if the voices by 
Had vanished in thinnest air ! 

I passed down into the valley. 
And pain, with its visage grim, 

Was waiting and watching my coming— 
I cared not because of Him. 

I came up out of the valley. 
The sunshine was filtering thru 

The blinds of my southern window; 
And here He was waiting, too. 

I came up out of the valley, 
To agony words cannot tell ; 

He stayed all day at my bedside, 
And was there when darkness fell. 

Oh Christ, of the dead and living. 
Of the well and the very ill, 

I thank Thee now for Thy presence. 
My God who is with me still. 
82 



Seeing Through 



A HOSPITAL DOXOLOGY 

Vm thankful, Lord, for pillows, that are soft and 

snowy white. 
For clean, pure air that streams through open 

windows to the light; 
For water, clear as crystal, that from out God's own 

wells spring. 
For linen that is sweet and white as snow-flakes on 

the wing. 

I'm thankful too for food prepared with loving 

hands and skill. 
To tempt a fitful appetite when one has long been 

ill; 

I'm thankful for the blankets warm that o'er my soft 

bed lay, 
For light in times of darkness and for shutters closed 

by day. 

I'm thankful for the doctor who with patience and 

with skill 
And Christ-like, fine compassion comes to mitigate 

my ill; 
I'm thankful for the window-man who keeps my 

windows clean, 
And lets me glimpse God's out-of-doors I erstwhile 

had not seen. 



83 



Seeing Through 



I'm thankful for the nurses and their ministrations 

sweet, 
For endless, helpful errands run by eager, willing 

feet ; 
In short, I am so thankful for so many sorts of things 
That my heart just bounds with gladness and lifts 

its voice and sings. 



84 



Seeing Through 



MY DOCTOR 

If my doctor were to ask me for a nick-name, 
Which, by the way, he wouldn't think to do, — 
I'd have one ready for him in a minute, 
And since I can't tell him, I'm telling you: 

I'd call him Dr. Inasmuch, — for hear me, 
He never comes to help but I can see 
He's doing it upon the old foundation: 
"As ye do it unto her, ye do to Me." 

I'd call him Dr. Inasmuch, well knowing 
The motive back of every deed that lies, 
The selfless, Christian skill all dedicated 
To meet my need from out his rich supplies. 

I'd call him Dr. Inasmuch, — God bless him! — 
And help him, always, everywhere to be, 
To each one who receives his ministrations, 
A suggestion of the Christ, as he's to me. 



85 



Seeing Through 



IN A HOSPITAL 

They did me up in a "nightie" white, 
And on my head tied a white cap tight, 
Then they punched a needle in my arm 
And I felt sleepy and "comfy" and warm. 

Then they put me in a big wheel chair 

And took me up two flights of stairs. 

Then they painted my tongue and painted some more 

Till I couldn't tell if 'twere well or sore. 

Then the doctor came with his wondrous skill 
And said he knew I would lie quite still ; 
Then he jabbed his needle. Oh, so deep. 
And you couldn't talk and you couldn't weep. 

But somehow you knew that the Surgeon on High 
Was guiding the hand that was right close by, 
So you simply quivered and then lay still. 
And gave yourself up to His own best skill. 

Now that's the story in words but few, 
And part of it's old and part of it's new; 
But I have proved it and found it true 
And pass the message on to you. 

If ever you go on the "table" too 
To face an experience all quite new, 
Know this : it is easy — to live or die — 
When the Master-Surgeon stands hard by. 
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Seeing Through 



And when they trundle you back to bed 
With a lightish feeling in your head, 
And you can't make out where you are or why, 
And the pain is hard and you want to cry. 

Why know, — 'cause I've been there and found it 

true 
The Master Surgeon'll come close to you, 
Then quietly sleep or simply rest 
Secure in His love who loves you best. 



87 



Seeing Through 



WEST WINDOWS 

They gave me a room with a western view, 

And no more the rising sun 
May greet me at dawn with its cheery ray 

And tell of a day begun. 

They gave me a room with a western view, 

And I knew some sweet surprise 
Would come if I only would watch and wait 

The light of the western skies. 

And now, oh, to-night, has the veil been riven,- 
I have watched the western view; 

The roseate glow at the end of the day, — 
Fine crimson against steel blue. 

I've seen the sun touch with one long, last ray 

The roofs of the little town, 
And kiss with the tenderest mother-kiss 

The top of the bare trees brown. 

They gave me a room with a western view. 

I wonder if they half guessed 
I should learn anew from my sunset view 

That God sends the last His best. 



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Seeing Through 



The best of God's wine He shall save till last, 
Like the colors of evening glow; 

And glories to be shall outshine what's past 
As onward in life we go. 

I've missed the warmth of the sunrise beams, 

But I'm thankful to God anew 
For lessons I've learned as the sun went down. 

From the room with the western view. 



89 



Seeing Through 



FRIENDS 

Friends are like cathedral windows 
Where the sunshine, filtering through 

Lends so many, many colors 
And so many a wondrous hue; 

But the sunshine is the same 

In its golden glory-flame. 

Friends are like cathedral windows, 

Blue of loyal purpose true, 
Gold of spirits filled with gladness, 

Red, the sacrificial hue, 
Green, rich pasture shades suggest. 
Lulling tired hearts to rest. 

Friends are like cathedral windows 
Where the royal purple tones 

Yield a sympathetic silence 
And a common sorrow owns; 

While a samite gleam of white 

Lifts our God before our sight. 

Friends are like a pile of music, 

Music in a major strain, 
Music with a minor cadence 

Brimming o'er with stress of pain; 
Some a lullaby sing low, 
Others forth to battle go. 



90 



Seeing Through 



Friends are like a pile of music ; 

Some fortissimo is played, 
Some is low, like vesper chiming, 

Some is dignified and staid. 
Some, sweet melodies sing low, 
Some, rich chords break soft and slow. 

Friends are like a pile of music ; 

Lilting waltz-time, children's songs. 
Rousing march-time, — feet go tramping,- 

Some to sunset-time belongs; 
Oh, the harmony that springs 
From our hearts as each one sings! 

Friends are like a wondrous garden 
Shaded 'round by many trees; 

Lofty hemlock pointing skyward, 
Aspen, shaken by the breeze. 

Silver maple, spirit dressed 

Where the moonbeams love to rest. 

Friends are like a wondrous garden ; 

Fir-trees green the whole year through, 
Make a home for winter sparrows 

One green tree against the blue. 
Oak tree strength keeps guard o'er all, 
Tiny flower and tree-top tall. 



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Seeing Through 



Friends are like a wondrous garden 
Where the white, white lilies glow, 

Where the many-colored pansies 
Nodding in the sunshine grow, 

Where the lilacs, — purple, white. 

Breathe their fragrance day and night. 

Friends are like a wondrous garden 
Where the rambler-roses climb, 

Where the lily-of-the-valley 

Lifts our thoughts from sense and time; 

Where the blue-bells chime their lay 

Praising God for each new day. 

Friends are like a wondrous garden 
Where the phlox abundant grows. 

Where the sweet-peas' gentle perfume 
Mingles with the scent of rose, 

Where the morning-glories nod 

In the afternoon of God. 

Friends are like — alas, words fail me. 

Best analogies are dim; 
Colored windows, music, flowers. 

Friends are those who suggest Him; 
Him who came our Friend to be 
Now and through Eternity. 



92 



Seeing Through 



TO KEEP FROM GROWING OLD 

I want to borrow baby 
For a little, little while; 
I need a baby's prattle 
And I need a baby's smile. 

I want to run my fingers 
Through curls of sunny gold, 
To feel his hands soft patting 
Across my wrinkles old. 

I do not want your money, 
Your house nor weight of gold, 
I want to borrow baby 
To keep from growing old! 



93 



Seeing Through 



A GARDEN INTERROGATOR 

Why do potatoes have eyes, 
And what do you think that they see? 

And why has lettuce a heart? 
Please, Mother, come 'splain it to me! 

Why is it corn grows on ears, 
Does it hear the wind 'mid the stalks? 

Does a vegetable grow with a tongue, 
And what is the language it talks? 

Tell me why posies have lips, 
Do they kiss each other Good-night? 

Do flowers called fingers play "pigs" 
As we do when fast fades the light ? 

I'm sleepy as sleepy can be. 
Please, Mother dear, 'splain it to me! 



94 



Seeing Through 



GOD AND GARDENS 

I'm glad when God first made the world, 

He made a garden space, 
And in that garden walked and talked 

With Adam face to face. 

And now, though years have passed away, 

Again I find God walks 
In earth's sweet gardens here and there, 

Meets with His own and talks. 

Along the flags sweet purple bed 

Where runs a narrow way 
He walks with me at sunset hours 

The sweetest of the day. 

And where ascension lilies lift 

Their spirit-faces white 
He tells me wondrous secrets in 

The silences of night. 

Oh, God who walks in gardens still, 
Grant me Thy voice to know 

Thy footstep on my garden walk, 
Thyself where flowers grow. 

Ded. to F. E. M. 



95 



Seehig Through 



ODE TO WRITING MATERIALS 

(Written while on a rest cure) 

Shut me up, if you like 

Take my sewing away 

Tell me just, just to rest 

Rest and sleep and play 
I'll do anything the doctors say 
If they'll let me have pencil and paper. 

Now, you see, it's like this, 

If I lie here and rest 

Why, my mind runs away 

On some eager quest 
And what it finds it brings to my nest 
And to keep it, I need ink and paper. 

So now please, doctor man 

Let me sharpen them all 

I will lie here and rest 

And I wont have a call 
You surely can't want me to memorize all, 
It's easier to put it on paper. 



96 



Seeing Through 



HOWARD ARNOLD WALTER 

They told me there was a notice 
That one whom I loved was dead, 

But I contradicted flatly, 
"It cannot be true," I said. 

Why, hadn't I had a message 
Just a few short days before 

Plain in the old hand-writing 
I had known in days of yore ? 

But then, as I read the notice 
I sensed what it said was so ; 

The summons had come quite swiftly 
And, of course, he'd want to go. 

I smiled. I had contradicted, 

I had said it wasn't true ; 
I was right for death hadn't called him 

But life into pathways new. 

I know that in fields far broader 
He works as he worked of old. 

But there he grows never weary 
Nor worn with the heat or cold. 



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Seeing Through 



I know that his love is deeper 
Than here on this earth below, 

For Him, and for those who linger 
Till they too his pathway go. 

I know right well he's not dead, nay. 
But what I have said is true; 

So I glory to know him living 
And loving and serving too. 



98 



Seeing Through 



ACCIDENTALS 
Dedicated to O. F. 

On the music stand before me 

Is a score that's writ with care, 
And I study style and tempo 

And find "accidentals" there. 
''Accidentals" which contribute 

To the majesty of sound, 
To the sweeping, vibrant message 

In the sweet sonata found. 

On the score of life before me 

Written by divinest grace, 
I find "accidentals" written 

Here and there in many a place; 
And I play them and I sing them 

Sure the Great Composer knew 
When He placed them on my score sheet 

They would make life's music true. 



99 



Seeing Through 



TO L. T. A. 

I cannot write you a letter, 
For I don't know where you are, 
I don't know where to address you 
Since you've travelled to lands afar, 
So I'm praying instead of writing: 
"God bless her" — wherever you are. 

I cannot write you a letter 

So I'm asking the Lord to say 

The words that shall comfort and strengthen 

And help you upon your way. 

And words I would like to utter, 

I'm asking the Lord to say. 

I cannot write you a letter. 

But I know that the Lord will hear, 

And Himself will bring a message 

Of comfort and help and cheer, 

And I'm glad you shall get a message 

Straight out of heaven, dear. 



100 



Seei?iff Through 



ON A CALENDAR PAD 

Again 'tis the end of another year, 
A line through the last da)^ is run; 

My calendar pad is useless to me, 
The New Year has just now begun. 

But ere in the basket I throw it 
I turn o'er its leaves once again; 

Each week and each month I pass over, 
Each day v/ith its joy and its pain. 

And over the year just departed 

I write with a stroke strong and bold: 

"God's mercies fresh morning and evening, — 
Ah, the half, not the half hath been told." 

That day when the road was full lonely 

And He was especially near. 
About me, beside me, within me, 

The long, lonely way for to cheer. 

That day when the Tempter would flay me 
By planting a doubt in my heart ; 

And Christ with His kind hand was near me, 
And faith came to vanquish the dart. 

That day when the storm broke in fury, 
And tempest and wind rent the sky, 

When lo ! in the midst of the raging 
Was peace that the world cannot buy. 
lOI 



Seeing Through 



The hours when pain held me a prisoner, 
When sleep and its balm was denied, 

When Christ as the Healer and Helper 
Was close, oh so close, to my side. 

"Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness"- 

The calendar pages but prove 
The wonder of wonders, I reckon, 

The sweetness and strength of His love. 

My calendar pad, I shall keep you, 
Shall keep you and fold you away; 

Not useless since you are a token 
Of God's loving care all the way. 

And if any ask why I keep you, 

When yellow and wrinkled and old, 

I shall say: "This is just a wee token 
That the half, not the half, hath been told. 

Not the half of God's pardon and power, 
Not half of His peace and His grace, 

Not half of His love and His mercy, 
Nor how wondrously these interlace. 

Not half of His joy and His sweetness, — 

The story is new and is old, — 
His mercies fresh morning and evening. 

Not half, not one half hath been told." 



1 02 



Seeing Through 



WHEN JESUS WAS DEAD 

I 

''There came Joseph of Arimathea," 

— But Jesus was dead — 
He came offering a tomb in his garden, 

'Twere better instead 
He had taken a stand at His trial 

— Now — Jesus was dead. 

H 

Then there also came old Nicodemus, 

— But Jesus was dead — 
He'd brought gifts both of myrrh and of aloes 

'Twere better instead 
He had listened that night on the house-top, 

By Jesus been led. 

HI 

Poor Joseph and old Nicodemus! 

When Jesus was dead 
Gave the best that they had for His burial! — 

'Twere better instead 
They had followed as open disciples 

E'er Jesus was dead! 



103 



Seeiiig Through 



"THE GLORIOUS ADVENTURE" 

In memory of H. A. W. who loved to call Death 
'The Glorious Adventure." 

"The glorious adventure," 

He always called it so; 
So why should we who linger 

Be burdened down with woe? 

He's Gone, — a great crusader, 

His armor, snowy white; 
His goal, the golden city 

All set with jasper light. 

The King to whom he journeys 

His mansion has prepared 
Within the golden city, 

His purpose has declared. 

And he, — "he shall be like Him," 

The One whom he adored, 
Shall sit down at His table. 

Shall join His festal board. 

Oh glorious adventure! 

We lift our eager eyes 
As they of old on Hermon 

Gazed toward the glory-skies. 



104 



Seeing Through 



And pray that as crusaders 
We forth anew may fare, 

Until the Great Adventure 
Finds us too over there. 



A PSALM OF THANKS 

I thank Thee, God, for all the way of pain 
That I have trod, that oft my path has lain 
'Tween troubles mountains high or fathoms deep, 
On deserts hot and dry or rough and steep. 

I thank Thee, God, that on the saddened way 
Thy comfort is sufficient strength and stay. 
And with the comfort Thou thyself dost give 
I may another traveller help to live. 

That there's no darksome way for Thou art Light, 
And not a devious way but Thou art Right, 
And not one steep ascent, but with Thy rod 
I may ascend unto Thy hills, O, God, 



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Seeing Through 



H. A. W. 

So you have gone, gone where no eye of mortal 
May see your face, nor catch your sunny smile; 

For you have swung the doors of this life's portal 
And we must walk without you for awhile. 

So you have gone, gone where no ear of mortal 
May catch the cadence of your clear, sweet voice ; 

For you have swung the doors of this life's portal 
And we who miss you most must most rejoice. 

Your eyes now see the City all celestial. 

Your eyes have looked already on the King ! 

We would not hold you to the sights terrestrial 
Nor would begrudge you what its glories bring. 

Your ears, noise-worn, hear now the heavenly music 
In praise antiphonal and sweet and strong; 

Down here on earth we catch its echo stealing, — 
Music poured forth from the redeemed throng. 

So I rejoice, — rejoice to know you waiting 
To catch our foot-fall on the roads of time; 

We too shall wait till fade earth's transient glories 
Till He shall call us too to joys sublime. 



io6 



Seeing Through 



TRUST 

In ways thou knowest not, 
By paths thou choosest not, 

Thy God shall lead. 
Through days when shines the sun, 
Through nights where dark clouds run, 

Supply thy need. 

Because thou knowest not. 
Because thou choosest not. 

Have thou no fear. 
He knoweth better far. 
His choices wisest are, 

And He is near. 

In ways thou knewest not, 
By paths thou chosest not. 

Thou shalt arrive. 
God's promises are sure, 
His words for aye endure, 

Cease, then, to strive. 

Trust thou, my heart, and rest, 
Thy Father knoweth best. 

And thou shalt sing 
To God who knoweth all, 
To God who chooseth all. 

Thy God and King. 



107 



Seeing Through 



GOD'S PAINT BOX 

God has opened up His paint-box, 
And has mixed the spring-time shades, 
Touching up the brown earth dreary, 
Hill and mountains, woodland glades. 

There is yellow on the palette, 
Like to sunbeams wafted down. 
There is lilac, pale and purple 
That shall lighten up the brown. 

There is pink of orchard blossom, 
Faint, then deepening to rose; 
There is blue of spring-time vi'let 
That in modest beauty grows. 

God has opened up His paint box. 
Winter shadows take their flight, 
From God's palette there come dripping 
Spring time colors warm and bright. 



io8 



Seeing Through 



NOT ALONE 

To walk along an unknown way, 
And have beside thee every day 
A dear Companion, One who knows 
Each winding way the pathway goes: 
This is true living, thus to be 
Walking with God and God with thee. 

And if sometimes the way is rough, 
This Friend of thine is close enough 
To help thee trudge on to the end 
And light to the dark roadway lend : 
And thou a stranger grow to fear. 
With this thy dear Companion near. 

And if the road is also steep, 

If boulders hide 'neath roses sweet, 

Safely He'll guide the whole way through, 

Show thee the dangers old and new : 

Ah, this is living thus to go 

Safe mid the snares that 'round thee grow. 



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Seeing Through 



And when at length the path grows dim, 

And soft we hear the vesper hymn, 

At the long road's end a welcome waits 

For the Friend-Companion keeps the gates. 

And like Enoch of old at set of sun, 

We're at home with God when life's day is done 

And in realms of bliss a roadway new 

Will stretch before our wondering view, 

And evermore in that happy land 

We shall walk with the King, a rejoicing band, 

And sing in a wondrous song and new : 

"Bless God, My God, who has guided through." 



no 



Seeing Through 



DECLARATION AND REQUEST 

I'm not afraid. 
The craven fear of years 
Somehow has melted been by summer tears. 
God help me as I really face the fight 
To stand erect, nor seek a coward's flight. 

I'm not afraid. 
The tremor of my heart 
Is just the physical, the past a part 
Left of the long-time strain, a dart. 
God help me as I firmly stand for right, 
Not simply, Lord, to wirij but help me fight. 



Ill 



Seeing Through 



REFLECTION 

As lakes reflect each shade of heaven's blue, 
And mirror back a like sapphiric hue ; 
So may I show the world Thy wondrous grace, 
And mirror back the glory of Thy face. 



112 



Seeing Through 



"WIN CHRIST" 

Phil. 3:8 

''Win Christ!" Say, what a call; 
We well may guess the Apostle Paul 
Spoke these words as a captain might 
Sending his soldiers forth to fight: 
"Win Christ!" 

"Win Christ!" What must I lose? 
One is your master, you must choose. 
You may not walk two masters' ways 
Nor give two masters equal praise. 
"Win Christ!" 

"Win Christ!" for Christ alone, 
He shall for all things missed atone; 
Center, circumference, start and end, 
Saviour, Redeemer, Guide and Friend. 
"Win Christ!" 

Won-Christ ! This at the last, 
When battles' smoke is overpast, 
When at length we shall like Him be, 
Won for time and eternity, 
Won-Christ! 



113 



Seeing Through 



'HE SHALL COME DOWN LIKE RAIN' 

"He shall come down like rain;" — 

I watched this afternoon 
To see how He shall come, — 

I watched a shower in June. 

"He shall come down like rain;" — 

And a refreshing breeze 
Blew soft my sick-room through 

And brought me cooling ease. 

"He shall come down like rain;" — 
And dust and grime fled fast. 

The perfume of the flowers 
Crept through my room at last. 

"He shall come down like rain." — 

I saw small children dip 
Their feet in puddles deep. 

Oh, the sheer joy of it! 

"He shall come down like rain." — 

Birds mute for many days 
In draught and blist'ring heat 

Broke into notes of praise. 

"He shall come down like rain," — 

Refreshing, cooling all; 
And dust and grime slip by 

In answer to His call. 
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Seeing Through 



''He shall come down like rain;" — 
Flowers shall in perfume praise ; 

Children with laughter gay 
Contribute roundelays. 

"He shall come down like rain;"— 
Mute birds again shall sing; 

Full are their little throats, 

Gladsome the songs they bring. 

"He shall come down 'like rain." — 

All shall be perfect then. 
The earth hath waited long; 

Come, Lord, oh come again! 



115 



Seeing Through 



LOVE IN THE MORNING 

Dedicated to C. A. B. and G. G. W. 

When life comes, dear, in the morning, 
When life is blithe and gay, 
It brightens the earliest dawning, 
With its bright and its glowing ray. 
It wakens the morning glories, 
Makes diamonds, dear, of the dew ; 
When love comes, dear, in the morning, 
It does all this for you. 

When love, dear, tarries at even, 
When deepening shadows creep, 
And posies awake in the sunshine 
Fold gently their petals in sleep, 
It makes all the west seem glorious, 
No fear of the coming night. 
When love, dear, tarries at evening 
Then evening time is light. 



ii6 



Seeing Through 



THE HAMPTON QUARTETTE 

I heard four Negro minstrels sing 
A song of heaven and home; 

I heard their mellow voices ring 

For us who sat a'banqueting 

And bid the listeners: "Come." 

I heard four Negro minstrels tell 

About a robe so white; 
I heard about a song that fell 
From clear, sweet voices loved so well 

Around the throne of light. 

I heard four Negro minstrels lift 

Their voices as they told 
Of shoes whose owner's feet were swift, 
That nevermore shall swerve nor drift — 

Clear were their notes and bold. 

I heard four Negro minstrels raise 

A song about a ring; 
I heard the guests in notes of praise 
"Make merry" in their gladdest lays, — 

Wondrous the song they sing. 

Four Negro minstrels sang their lay ; 

Heaven itself drew near; 
Close were the pearly gates that day 
Heaven, that's sometimes far away 

Sent forth a welcome clear. 
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Seeing Through 



''THERE IS NO ROOM" 

The train was late; the busy street 
Crowded with homeward going feet 
Was growing dark, — I too must rest, 
And at a desk made my request. 

The clerk was courteous, sought awhile 
Then said with a regretful smile : 
''There is no room. Vacation days 
And many stop here on their ways." 

My heart was stirred and with a bound 
Sang praise to God that I had found 
Another kinship with my Lord 
Whose mother heard that very word : 
"There is no room." 

They telephoned both here and there 
And found a room up three long stair, 
Weary and worn I sought my nest, — 
A mattress made of straw my rest. 

Again I sang for once He lay 
For me upon a bed of hay; 
Then slept with happy heart that He 
Should with this kinship honor me. 



Ii8 



Seeing Through 



''A LAND NOT FAR OFF" 

''Over the hills and far away" 
And sometimes I think 't isn't far; 

But "Over the hills and far away" 
Is right near where we are ! 

I sometimes think my willing feet 
Will cross the Great Divide, 

And scarcely understand it 
Till they touch the other side. 

I sometimes think my fingers 
Shall touch things over there 

And someone need to tell me 
Just what they are, and where. 

I think my eyes shall open 

After some restless night 
On splendor all unbroken 

And silver shining light. 

I think sometimes my noise-worn ears 
Shall sense a sudden peace, 

And ''Over the hills and far away" 
A bugler blow: Release. 

But every year I'm surer, 

Surer that it is true, 
That "Over the hills and far away" 

Is near to me — to you. 
119 



Seeing Through 



THE STORM SONG 

A storm was gathering. In the distant heavens 
Great, heavy clouds were hurrying swiftly by ; 
Thunder, whose peals made swift, incessant echo, 
Came from the far away and darkened sky. 

Under a tree with book and pen I waited 
'Till the first drops should hurry me within. 
When a wee bird, from out a cedar stately 
Lifted its head and sang its storm-cloud hymn. 

Reverent I listened. What then was the message 
This tiny bird had come to bring to me, 
Trilling its lay with tender, sweet insistence, 
What was the meaning of its melody? 

"Back of the storm," so trilled the bird above me. 
"Back of the storm the sun shines clear and bright, 
Great rainbow tints shall yet your heart enlighten 
And from the darkness shall shine forth the light." 

"Rainbows shone never, but where storms had 

lingered. 
Never its colors had the storm not been ; 
God's promises against a darkened background 
Are ever truly and most clearly seen." 

Thanks, tiny bird. I lift my pen to write it 
That other souls may hear your heart'ning song. 
And learn to wait in storm-time for the rainbow 
That had not been but for the storm clouds long. 
1 20 



Seeing Through 



DAWN 

Out of the darkness saw I morn awaking, 

Strange phantom things took shape and I could see 

Emerging from the darkness and the shadows, 
Tall friendly trees, the mountains, and the lea. 

While overhead in optimistic splendor, 

Shone out the morning star, and seemed to say, 

"Darkness and night endure but for a season. 
Then cometh light, the dawning of the day." 

Then over phantom things there came a changing ; — 
Clearly revealed I saw the mountain slope; 

Tall trees that stood like ghosts of giant sentries 
Stood out in answer to my dawning hope. 

A darksome shadow showed a chimney friendly. 
The awe-some, huddled shape a home became ; 

A snow-white clover, growing 'neath my window 
Did, by its whiteness, growing day proclaim. 

Soft, fleecy clouds bent low above the mountain 
Blushing full pink, I watched them as they rose, 

Bearing the glory of the day's new splendor, 
Calling the earth to wake from night's repose. 

I looked above ; — the morning star had vanished ; 

Its prophecy around was proven true ; 
Darkness and night had melted into distance. 

Leaving instead earth's green and heaven's blue. 

121 



Seeing Through 



TREES 

O, trees, since God the world began, 

He set you in the world to grow, 

That travellers 'neath your shade might rest 

And shelter find your arms below. 

I love your silver maple leaves, 
Your oak so sturdy and so strong, 
The aspen shaken by a breath, 
The weeping willow with its song. 

I think, — while near the great logs burn 
Cut from your heart for warmth and glow, — 
Of things throughout the world you do. 
As upward toward the blue you grow. 

I think of homes you've builded here, 
The little church with shingles gray. 
Of boats that bear us out to sea. 
And safe across the wat'ry way. 

I think of songs your heart has made 

In cello as I touch its strings, 

In violin with its yearning call, . 

And thrill with thoughts your music brings. 



122 



Seeing Through 



I think of Eden and the trees 
"Trees bearing fruit" the old Book says, 
Then of the ark in time of flood, 
Keeping men safe through stormy days. 

Of Abram's friends of mystic mien, 
Who sat one day your leaves below, 
Of one beneath the juniper, 
Wishing to end his life of woe. 

Of trees that built the temple old, 
Of pomegranates large and small, 
Of carvings wrought with masters skill. 
Of pillars stately, smooth and tall. 

Long ages pass then once again 
The story of the trees is told, 
A man high in a sycamore 
Seeks the Lord Jesus to behold. 

And when the Son of man, betrayed. 
Delivered up by sinful men, — 
Waited that night in Pilate's court 
The tree was needed once again. 

O, tragedy of all the years, 
O, tragedy most dark and grim 
Upon the tree's out-stretched arms, 
Upon a tree they lifted Him. 



123 



Seeing Through 



And when the dearly loved John, 
Wrote of the things he saw above, 
Of songs of angel and of saint, 
Of wondrous, and unmeasured love. 

When he had told about the Lamb 
Who lives the city gates within. 
When he had told of men redeemed 
Out of their infamy and sin. 

When he, I say, had writ these things 

Writ for the ages long to see, 

He added this: "And in the midst 

And in the midst, a tree, a tree." 

****** 

Thank God for trees. This sorry world 
Has found their leafy bowers sweet. 
And in another world than this. 
Again we shall their beauty greet. 

And in their shade none shall grow old, 
And none beneath them know strife, 
Their fruitage is for all the earth. 
They have become "The Tree of Life." 



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Seeing Through 



COMPASSED ABOUT 
Psalms Ii8:i2 — 32:7 

"They compassed me about like bees" — 

Wild, stinging things; 
Behind my back, before my face 

With swiftest wings. 

"They compassed me about like bees" — 

They stole the sweet, 
They left me drained and parched and dry 

In noon-day heat. 

Fainting — Lo, Some One stands between 

The bees and me; 
The drained cup is filled again, 

My blind eyes see. 

"Thou compassest with songs about" — 

And I shall sing. 
Songs of deliverance and help 

Take vocal wing. 

With loving-kindness hast Thou, Lord, 

Encompassed me. 
Thy very Self hast shielded from 

The stinging bee. 



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Seeing Through 



"WITH HIM IN GLORY" 

(Col. 3:4) 

"With Him in glory." I cannot refrain, 
But read the words over again and again; 
And thrill just as tho' I had not read before 
Those wonderful words as they sweep my heart o'er. 

"With Him in glory." Lord, hasten the day 
When earth's little while shall pass ever away, 
When shadows that darken shall take wings and flee. 
And we shall be "caught up" in glory with Thee. 

Then as I revel to think of that time 

Another thought comes with its message sublime, — 

"Partakers of sufE'ring," — why, that's "with Him" 

too, 
And His presence shall lighten the weary way 

through. 

And glory shall shine as His sufiE'ring we bear. 
As truly as when we His glory shall share; 
And we may be "with Him" right now, every day, 
As truly as when He shall take us away. 

But yet I can't help wishing He were right here, 
In bodily presence, as He shall appear ; 
So I pray: "Lord, come quickly and take us to be 
In glory forever, in glory with Thee." 

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Seeing Through 



A VASE OF PINK ROSES 

Three pink roses on my table 
And they're saying things to me, 
As I watch their petals open 
And their hearts of gold can see. 

Now the first one says: "God made me 
And He sent me down to you, 
All blushing from an angel's kiss 
In the garden where I grew." 

The second says: "God sent me. 
Born of morning sun and dew. 
Just to say, 'God who makes roses 
Is a "carin" for you, too.' " 

While the third one bends to whisper, 
From without its golden heart, 
"God, who troubles to make roses, 
Has in all earth's life a part.'* 

Triplet roses on my table, 

Little did your giver know, 

When she brought me three pink roses, 

That she brought me — God — also. 



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Seeing Through 



HE CHANGES NOT 

He who has kept still keeps 
He who has led still leads 
He who has fed still feeds 
He slumbers not nor sleeps. 

He who has heard still hears 
He who has seen still sees 
He who has freed still frees 
Give to the wind thy fears. 



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Seeing Through 



"THY WILL BE DONE" 

The coming days, 
Bring what they may, 
Bring God's best gifts, 
And so I say 
With all God's children everywhere 
Who know God's love and constant care 
Thy will be done. 

II 

The coming task, 

Whate'er it be 

Is God's best plan 

His love to see. 
Then let our voices gladly ring 
Clear to the praise of God, and sing: 

Thy will be done! 

Ill 

The low'ring clouds 

That nearly meet 

Are but the dust 

Of God's own feet. 
Then let us bow our heads and pray 
Until the shadows flee away: 

Thy will be done. 



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Seeing Through 



BURNING LEAVES 

They are burning leaves to-day, 

Autumn leaves; 
And my spirit rises high 
Burning incense to its sky 
While the brown leaves softly play, 
While the flames sing soft their lay 
And the chill winds blow away 

Autumn leaves. 

They are burning leaves to-day. 

Autumn leaves; 
And the ashes that remain 
Shelter roses in the lane, 
And the ashes of their rest 
Fertilize the flowers' nest, 
Autumn's last and best bequest 

Burning leaves. 



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Seeing Through 



"AFTERGLOW-LAND" 

Afterglow-land, are you far away? 

I've watched your glory many a day, 

Watched the glory of opalesque skies 

'Till the last faint beam of their splendor dies 

And always wonder and sometimes say : 

"Afterglow-land are you far away?" 

I walked one night toward afterglow-land, 
Holding quite close j^our dear, loved hand, 
And when together we'd trod the road, 
You suddenly turned, let slip your load, 
Then with a smile most mystic-bright 
Toward afterglow-land you sped that night. 

T^ yp: ^ ^ yr v!t v^ y^ t^ 

And now I know it and often say: 
"Afterglow-land is not far away." 



131 



Seeing Through 



GOD'S CARPETS 

God a maker is of carpets, 
And I've seen Him lay them down, 
White, then greening, emeraldescent, 
Then the softest shades of brown. 

God a maker is of carpets 
Held in place by icy bands, 
Tacked with dandelions in Spring-time 
Covering soft earth's many lands. 

God a maker is of carpets 
Which He lays at dead of night, 
One He sets with sparkling diamonds, 
One is grey when breaks the light. 

God a maker is of carpets 
White and green and softest brown, 
Earth's best makers ne'er competing, 
God makes carpets of renown. 



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Seeing Through 



SUMMER'S GROWING OLD 

Summer poppies gone to seed, 

But I find instead 
On the slope of yonder hill 

Sumac's deeper red. 

Buttercups have vanished quite, 

Black-eyed Susans flown, 
But with deeper yellow tint 

Golden-rod has grown. 

Lilacs left us long ago, 

Monks both deep and pale, 

But the purple asters blow 
Over hilland dale. 

Summer's greens have turned to red, 

Some to shining gold, 
Some wear gowns of golden brown ;- 

Summer's growing old ! 



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Seeing Through 



CHIMING BELLS 

Down the ages sweetly stealing, 
Breaking into stronger pealing, 
Wondrous love and truth revealing 
Chiming, chiming bells. 

"Wonderful," what deep notes sounding 
At this word with hope abounding. 
While the bass notes each are rounding, 
Chiming, chiming bells. 

"Counsellor," the bells are ringing, 
Set the coming ages singing, 
Sweet relief and counsel bringing. 
Chiming, chiming bells. 

"Mighty God," what power is hiding 
In these words, what help abiding: 
Mighty God with man is biding. 
Chiming, chiming bells. 

"Prince of Peace," what hope is gleaming 
From your message, what a beaming. 
From your crystal words a streaming, 
Chiming, chiming bells. 



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Seeing Through 



ISA. 9:6 

Bells, chiming bells, whence is your wondrous peal- 
ing, 

O'er land and sea your music rings again; 
Earth stops to listen to your splendid chiming, 

Doubles its joy and soothes its utmost pain. 

Bells, chiming bells, your first note is arresting. 
What does it mean as "Wonderful" you ring? 

Something too big for earthly understanding, 
Something compelling as your notes you fling. 

Bells, chiming bells, I hear a new note sounding, 
I understand as "Counsellor" is swung 

Forth on the night winds of the world in query, 
Hope gleams through darkness as your note is 
rung. 

Bells, chiming bells, fortissimo your music, 

Angels and saints the "Mighty God" proclaim, 

Wondrous in power, o'er earth and heaven reigning, 
All the dim past and present days acclaim. 

Bells, chiming bells, how tender is your message, 
"Everlasting Father" in cressendo sweet 

Falls on the lonely ones of earth's wide borders, 
Brimming with comfort and with joy replete. 



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Seeing Through 



Bells, chiming bells, again a note triumphant 
Drowns the loud din of battles' fearsome roar, 

"The Prince of Peace" — Victorious your pealing, — 
Small wonder that to heaven your high notes soar ! 

Bells, chiming bells, peal forth again in power, 
Needed your message as in olden days; 

Teach us once more the meaning of your chiming, 
'Till we too join in songs of reverent praise. 



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Seeing Through 



CHRISTMAS MUSIC 

Ring, O bells, from your steeple height, 
Strongly, sweetly across the night ; 
O'er the world your message tell 
Until the echoes forth shall swell 
And the wide world shall know full well 
Jesus the Saviour is born. 

Ring, O bells, with your message sweet. 
Gladly joyous we each repeat; 
Over the world your notes fling clear 
Until remotest lands shall hear, 
Until they whisper far and near: 
Jesus the Saviour is born. 



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Seeing Through 



THE ANSWER 

I asked for faith: 

God's swift reply 
Called me a thing impossible to do, 
A big thing and unknown on roadways new. 

I asked for faith : 

God sent instead 
A call to venture forth toward the unknown, 
To leave familiar ways and walk alone. 

I asked for faith: 

God whispered low: 
Who asks for this must start to be and go, 
And venture forth and dare, if he would grow. 

So I began 

With vision dim, 
But in obedience faith has stronger grown: 
I find the answer through the path unknown. 



138 



